Heel Pain - Plantar Fascitis, Achilles’ Tendon etc

I feel fortunate that our local Brown’s store had soooo many Oofos. One side of the rack was women’s, the other unisex (wider).

It was good to be able to try them on, since even the same style in different colors seemed to vary. This surprised me since SAS shoes sizing has been consistent for me…. I know that for me SAS 7.5 (or 8N for sandals) works, low risk for mail order.

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@abasket - You’ve had helpful PF tips. Any recommendation for good, supportive aqua shoes?

I don’t worry too much about PF in terms of the water because, when I’m wearing them I’m in the water! My one time not too bad PF bout and any occasional tenderness is well controlled.

BUT that said, to avoid just a real flat water shoe, I have used both Salomon (lightweight) and even some lighterweight Keens in the water. Here’s an example:
https://www.rei.com/used/p/salomon-crossamphibian-swift-2-water-shoes-womens/147066

Thanks for the quick response. I’m actually not much of a swimmer, especially in the ocean surf. But we enjoy being on the beach, walking on the shoreline and climbing on the rocks when vacationing in Cape Cod. Often there is a lot of walking/carrying involved in getting to the beach.

Another vote for Keens. I have these can walk for miles and miles in then.https://www.amazon.com/KEEN-Mens-Newport-Sandal-Medium/dp/B000ERGGMU/ref=asc_df_B000ERGGMU/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312039838557&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2947852435697453943&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021564&hvtargid=pla-332801286455&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=66152337310&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312039838557&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2947852435697453943&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021564&hvtargid=pla-332801286455

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I also have to put in a vote for these Tevas which I wore so so SO much last summer for long walks, on the beach, etc. They could get wet. So so supportive and comfy. I looked a long time for sandals (I always want a back strap) that I could wear for long, fast walks - not just leisurely walking.

Actually you prompted me to just buy a second pair before the second color I love is not available - now I’m set for this summer too!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DK4G2G8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00

Oh, those Teva Zymic look nice. Could also take place of a SAS style I’ve worn out (a few times). I see available at DSW too, where I get a lot of coupons and have easy store pickup/return.

Whole sizes only. I am usually 7.5M (or sometimes 8N). Perhaps will order 7 and 8, pick the better and return the other. Or maybe first try out other Teva styles/sizes at the story.

@Jolynne_Smyth - Not sure if these are dressy enough for your Italy trip, but thought I’d tag you in case you wanted to try.

Be careful on those DSW coupons - online anyway. The last couple of times I have tried to use them so many brands were excluded I don’t even know what brands were allowed! I ended up not using them.

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I too love Keen sandals. BUT, if you’re walking wear there are lots rocks, it might be better to have a more closed shoe.

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Good point about DSW. Most of my picks (usually at the store) have been coupon-elible… but those Teva are exempt today, guessing same for all Teva brand. I am in the DSW club and could probably apply credit from shoe donation, but that’s now used up. Not in a hurry though so will shop around, ideally somewhere I can try on.

Just wanted to come back to say that I really like my Easy Spirit Travel Time clogs. Usually I wear inside as slippers (warmer than Oofos flip flops!) Sometimes I wear them out, though I do prefer a closed shoe for driving.

I bought mine at Kohls on a good sale, in a sparkly navy no longer available. But I see you can get at Macy’s, DSW etc. Also Easy Spirit website which shows the most variety. Sort by Price to see sales.

I saw this article on Active:

Thanks for the link!

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Thanks for all of the hints in this thread. Thought I’d give an update.

  • with care and caution, my minor Plantar Fascitis symptoms disappeared
  • I was able to go back to running a few times a week
  • I try to remember to do the morning ankle movement before getting out of bed in the morning
  • I’ve gotten rid of old, tired shoes. Bought some new ones too.
  • Today I bought my second pair of Oofos flip flops, this time in a more summery light color.

I often wear Oofos around the house as slippers and sometimes when in the year or out and about. That’s what made me think about this thread and the helpful input from my CC friends.

I have found it is critical to try them on in the store. One style of flip-flops worked best in a 7 and another in an 8. Imagine my delight when I was at the cashier at local shoe store and gave my phone number and discovered that we had store credit (not sure why, a bit odd)…. my purchase was free.

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Yay for free shoes!!

Oofos aren’t for everyone but those of us who love them for the foot benefits really mean it! I remember you not being totally sure this shoe would provide relief - I’m so glad it did!

I had a minor bout with PF a couple years ago. Didn’t have to take a break but instituted some better habits. Occasionally I’ll still feel a ping of it if a certain pair of shoes are on too long or after a particular active day. But :crossed_fingers: it keeps at bay.

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I do think the Oofos helped. But at the time I did many different things (including a total break on running) in hopes of being able to fly and celebrate pain-free to a wedding… and wear heels too.

Other shoes that probably helped (and I wear a lot at home) were Easy Spirit clogs. Of course NOT wearing the old worn out shoes might have been the bigger factor.

I also liked this heel sleeve, on sale now at REI. I now stash it in my suitcase when traveling, just in case PF symtoms return.
https://www.rei.com/product/103355/pro-tec-athletics-pf-foot-sleeve

Stretching the legs seems prudent too. Most days I’ll do this easy lower body stretch video, especially if I’ve been running. The “Gilmore Girls” are there with me too, via Netflix.